Professor Leaves Roman Catholic Church
Father Charles Davis, aged 43, Professor of Theology at Heythrop Roman Catholic College, Oxford, has left the Roman Catholic Church, in which he had been a priest for 20 years. The press report of an interview with the Professor records quite a number of statements which indicate why he left the Roman Catholic Church. Two statements at least, appear to be clear and specific. These are: “He made it clear that he now disputes papal infallibility.” “The Church in its existing form seems to me to be a pseudo-political structure from the past.” The dogma of infallibility was only declared in 1870, by the Vatican Council of that year, and their definition of the same includes the following words: “…the Roman Pontiff, when he speaks ex cathedra—that is, when discharging the office of Pastor and Teacher… he defines a doctrine regarding faith or morals to be held by the whole Church—he, by the Divine assistance promised to him… possesses that infallibility with which the Divine Redeemer willed that His Church should be endowed in defining doctrine regarding Faith or Morals…” This dogma was concocted by the 1870 Vatican Council and attached to the Pope from then onwards, without a shred of Scriptural basis. And what about the Popes who existed before the 19th century? And Professor Davis must of necessity leave the Roman Catholic Church when he disputes Papal infallibility. We read some time ago that it is difficult to obtain the record of an asserted infallible pronouncement by any Pope. It may be that no Pope, as yet, has dared to make a professed and public infallible declaration on Faith or Morals. But Roman Catholics, although informed by their theologians—if they read theology—that the Pope can err in his private capacity, are left with the impression that what the Pope says is without error. Then Professor Davis has discovered, what informed Protestants have known all along, that the Roman Church is largely a political organisation, using its influence in this realm all over the world for centuries and as much as ever to-day. Whatever Professor Davis understands by the term ‘institution,’ he states: “I had to ask myself bluntly whether I still believed in the Roman Catholic Church as an institution, I found that the answer was ‘No’.” He did not consider the claim the Church made as an institution rested upon any adequate biblical and historical basis. The Church, he said, had concern for authority at the expense of truth. We would like to know what aspects of truth are here referred to. Although he has left the Roman Catholic Church, the Professor has stated that he remains a Christian. Of course we are well aware of the fact that there have been prominent men who became ‘converts’ to the Roman Catholic Church. But in these days when there is so much propaganda and ‘religious’ pressure to influence people of all Churches to look favourably upon the Roman Catholic Church, it is a decided rebuff to all this activity that an intellectual and a theologian should calmly, and with reasons take his departure from the said Church. It would be interesting to hear a conversation between the Archbishop of Canterbury and Professor Davis. The Archbishop would no doubt receive some much needed light upon some of the facts which should influence him to give up his “journey” toward Rome.
Christians Imprisoned in Russia
Official atheism is a terrible part of Russian Communism and permeates communism ideology the world over. It was reported last November that three women in Russia were sentenced to three years hard labour. They belonged to the Baptist persuasion. Their ‘crime’ was said to be, organising classes to teach Christianity to young children. They were also charged with taking children to other cities to join their fellow Christians in joint worship. These women were indeed careful to maintain good works and were not satisfied with their own personal interest in the hope of the gospel of Christ. They had an active, gracious, interest in the poor Russian children, before they would go out into the World, and that the Word of God would be made known to their young hearts and minds, before coming face to face with atheistical teaching. The conduct of these women was considered as one of the most serious offences against the diabolical laws obtaining in Russia. They are now suffering for Christ and the Word of God and for their works of faith and labours of love. We have no doubt that the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ will be made sufficient for them in their time of affliction. These items of news should cause us in this country to appreciate more deeply than ever, our precious freedom and religious privileges. And Christians here may well examine themselves as to whether they are shining as lights in the world in that measure and in those ways, which the Lord requires of them.
Speech by Lord Reith
In the autumn of last year Lord Reith, as the new Rector of Glasgow University, made the customary speech; but in these days it was an unusual speech. This has been noted in different quarters already. He gave excellent advice to the students as to their studies and future life’s work. And he concluded thus: “Many of us were under earnest Christian influence and instruction in childhood. But we haven’t begun—or the Churches either—to comprehend the mystery and magic of the indwelling Christ. I know this to be true: and I long for you to discover early what I have come to realise so late.” These surely were words to gladden the heart of any true Christian, in a day when so seldom one hears from persons in high places in the land, a word which honours Christ and contains gracious, gospel advice to our young men and women. From reports, we learn that Lord Reith’s speech before an assembled University, made a solemn impact upon his audience.
Russian Communism and Roman Catholicism
President Podgorny of the Soviet Union and Pope Paul were to meet on 29th January, while the President visited the Italian Government in Rome. Last April the Russian Prime Minister also visited the Pope. It seems unusual that such meetings could take place when the world was told in recent years that the Roman Catholic Church was the main bulwark against Communism. Roman Catholic prelates have been imprisoned or harassed in countries behind the Iron Curtain, and the Russian Communists are as anti-God as ever they were. The meeting may well be of a purely political nature as to peace in Vietnam or merely a courtesy visit. It will not, in our opinion, contribute to the peace of the world.